text:
Younger worker traits affect business growth
Millennial generation reshaping talent market, employer approach
- |
- Written by John Ginovsky
The highly connected and global 21st-century workforce is here and, according to the Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends 2014 report, and organizations are not prepared to respond to the challenges it represents.
"As the world's population grows, the global workforce is simultaneously getting younger, older, and more urbanized," says Josh Bersin, principal and founder of Bersin by Deloitte, part of Deloitte Consulting LLP. "Millennials are reshaping the talent markets with new expectations; new technologies are changing work in countless ways; and we are more frequently competing and racing with machines for knowledge work. The findings of our global survey reveal that a majority of global organizations are not prepared to deal with these trends that are reshaping the workforce."
According to the report, the single biggest challenge cited by most respondents (86%) is leadership development, followed by retention and engagement (79%), and reskilling the HR function (77%). Importantly, most respondents indicate that their organizations are not ready to address these challenges.
The report brings together 15 years of research as well as one of the largest global talent management surveys to-date, incorporating the views of more than 2,500 business and HR leaders in 94 countries around the world.
"Given the radical shifts in demographics and technology, doubling down on the human capital practices of the past will not be enough to get the job done," says Bersin. "The research shows that organizations should re-imagine their approach to engaging people and move to re-engineer many of their HR practices. Attracting top talent has become a serious competitive issue that demands attention at the highest levels of the organization."
Developing global leaders is the top issue facing these organizations, yet only 13% of respondents believe they do an excellent job in providing leadership programs across all levels; 66% believe they are "weak" in their ability to provide leadership programs for millennials, and about half (51%) have little confidence in their ability to maintain clear and consistent succession programs.
Faced with a dire shortage of technical and professional skills, many organizations are resorting to the old-fashioned way of addressing the problem—i.e., trying to "hire the right person" to fill in the gaps—according to the report. Yet, the report indicates that as skills become obsolete more rapidly, organizations should learn to leverage massive open online courses and internal development resources to build a "supply chain for skills"—developing deep, specialized skills on the job.
The second top challenge cited by respondents—retention and engagement of employees—is another area where executives rate themselves as either "weak" or just "adequate." More than one-third (38%) report they are "weak" at integrating social, community, and corporate programs and aligning employee and corporate goals. Four-in-ten respondents (40%) state their organization is "weak" in helping employees balance their personal and professional lives, and only 8% believe they have a strategy to help employees manage the barrage of information they receive every day.
"Twenty-first century employees have radically different expectations about work than those of previous generations," says Bersin. "Today, people want to work for organizations that continually invest in developing their skills, thereby enabling them to stay relevant in the ever-changing workforce. They also want balance, passion, and purpose in their jobs. This changing employment value proposition requires organizations to align their business and corporate objectives with the professional, personal, and social goals of their employees and give them an opportunity to make a difference, not just earn a paycheck."
The third top-rated issue is the need to reskill the HR function. Many HR teams lack the skills and data they need to understand today's global business environment, local labor markets, evolving workforce demographics, shifts in technology, and the changing nature of work itself. In fact, more than one-third (34%) of the respondents report that their HR and talent programs are just "getting by" or even "underperforming." Moreover, less than 8% of HR leaders have confidence that their teams have the skills needed to meet the challenge of today's global environment and deliver innovative programs that drive business impact.
"There's no doubt that human capital strategies are now a major factor in business growth," says Jason Geller, national managing director for U.S. human capital consulting at Deloitte Consulting LLP. "Yet, today's HR departments are not equipped to face the challenges of this new role. When you add to this the rapidly changing landscape of HR technologies, such as cloud and big data, and their impact on attracting, retaining, and developing talent, it becomes clear that reskilling HR teams is arguably the most critical mission for organizations today."
Specifically, 43% of respondents to Deloitte's survey indicated that their organizations are "weak" when it comes to providing HR with appropriate training and experiences, and 47% rank their organizations "weak" on preparing HR to deliver programs aligned with business needs.
The report identified 12 trends:
• Reinventing talent acquisition: Even as the majority of respondents (62%) say their organizations rely on social tools for sourcing and advertising positions, when it comes to fully utilizing analytics for recruitment and staffing, more than half (54%) indicate that their practices are "weak."
• The overwhelmed employee: Information overload and the always connected 24/7 work environment are overwhelming workers, undermining productivity, and contributing to low employee engagement. Sixty-five percent of executives responding to the survey rate the overwhelmed employee phenomenon as being an urgent or important trend, while 44% say that they are "not ready" to deal with it.
• Engaging the 21st-century employee: Millennials will make up 75% of the workforce by 2015, and 66% of the respondents report "weak" capabilities when it comes to providing focused leadership programs for millennials and 58% of executives report "weak" capabilities in "providing programs for younger, older, and multigenerational workforces," underscoring the challenges associated with a multigenerational 21st-century workforce.
• Shifting from diversity to inclusion: Nearly all respondents say their organizations promote diversity, but most fail to realize the business benefits of a diverse workforce. About one-third (34%) of respondents say their organizations are unprepared in this area, while only 20% claim to be fully ready.
• Developing leaders at all levels: Eighty-six percent of respondents in the Deloitte survey rate leadership as "urgent" or "important," however, only 13% say they do an excellent job in developing global leaders.
• The quest for workforce capability: While 75% of respondents rate "workforce capability" as an "urgent" or "important" challenge, only 15% believe they are ready to address it.
• Time to replace "rank and yank": Even as the nature of the work done by a majority of employees has changed dramatically, the way organizations evaluate employees has not. Only 8% of respondents believe their organization's performance management process drives high levels of value, while 58%say their current performance management process is not an effective use of time.
• Corporate learning redefined: More than two-thirds (70%) of respondents surveyed see new learning methods, such as free online and mobile learning platforms, as "urgent" or "important," yet only 6% say they have mastered the content and technology capabilities needed to make online learning accessible and compelling for their employees.
• Delivering on big data: Talent analytics is starting to enable HR departments to make informed talent decisions, predict employee performance, and enable advanced workforce planning. While 78% of respondents from large organizations (with 10,000 or more employees) rated HR and talent analytics as "urgent" or "important," enough to place analytics among the top three most urgent trends, 45% of the same respondents rated themselves "not ready" when assessing their readiness in HR analytics—among the lowest readiness rankings for any of the 12 global trends.
• Racing to the cloud: Organizations are rapidly moving away from legacy systems to implement a new breed of highly integrated, cloud-based talent and HR systems. More than two-thirds (68%) of Deloitte's respondents say that HR technologies are "urgent" and "important" and yet 56% report no definitive plans for their HR systems.
• The global and local HR function: Global HR and Talent Management, an integrated global operating model that allows for customizable local implementation, is the second most "urgent" and "important" trend for large organizations around the world (those with 10,000 or more employees), according to the survey.
• Reskilling the HR team: More than one-third (34%) of the respondents report that their HR and talent programs are just "getting by" or even "underperforming" and twice as many respondents rate HR and talent programs as "underperforming" (10%) compared to "excellent" (5%).
Tagged under Human Resources, Management,
Related items
- Capital One's $35 Billion Bid to Aquire Discover Financial and What It Means
- ABA Concerned Over Potential Changes to Bank Liquidity Rules
- Jobs Report Outperforms as Goldilox Economy Continues
- Earned Wage Access Growing Threefold in the United States
- Wells Fargo and Bank of America In the News for Bonus Announcement


text:
SILENCE! #112-A: Darren Cullen
September 1st, 2014
Well now, here's a thing. This week's SILENCE! will be a little late so here's a special treat to tide you over. What you have here is a chat between me, Gary Lactus and Darren Cullen. He does things which are very good. I suppose I could give you a bit of an explanation of what he does but this is the internet so I can just tell you to go to spellingmistakescostlives.com which makes things a lot easier. He has a new comic out called Below and it's a right bloody laugh. Go and buy it.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If We Deny Him, He Also Will Deny Us (2 Timothy 2:12)
Related MediaSecond Timothy 2:12 has caused confusion for many people as it seems to cast a shadow on the security of the believer, but does it mean that someone who denies Christ will be denied entrance into the kingdom? Many hold that this is indeed the warning of the passage. Treatment in many commentaries, however, is vague regardless of the author's view, and few state plainly what this means. Homer A. Kent effectively sidesteps the issue when he writes, "'if we shall deny him in the future (and some may),' the consequence is clear." But he never mentions what the consequence is.1 And Ryrie merely says, "The third couplet, 'If we deny Him, He also will deny us,' reiterates the Lord's word in Matthew 10:33. Judas did this." He moves quickly to the last part of the quote and affirms the believer's security.2 But to Ryrie's credit, he does point out this passage means loss of rewards in the Ryrie Study Bible footnote. Ralph Earle obfuscates the issue by simply saying, "This is a serious warning. We cannot reject Christ without being rejected ourselves."3 Whether he thinks this refers to believers who go astray is unclear.
Those who hold to this view point out that this verse must be seen in context with verse 11 as it is part of what many take to be a hymn or saying of the early church.4 Some see this quotation or hymn as dealing with two contrasts. They see the first half of the quote as positive with the idea being that the believer who endures will reign with Christ, and the second half of the quote as negative with the idea being that the believer may not endure and will then be rejected by Christ. And thus Hiebert writes, "By contrast, the second pair asserts the solemn warning that denial and unfaithfulness just as surely separates men from Christ. 'If we deny him' points to an awful possibility."5 If this view is taken, the phrase in verse 12, "He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself" is taken to mean that Christ must be true to His just and holy character and must judge one who denies Him.6 As Hendriksen says, "for faithfulness on his part means carrying out his threats (Matt. 10:33) as well as his promises (Matt. 10:32)!"7
There is another way to look at the passage that would resolve the apparent conflict with other passages that promise the security of the believer. The key is in the context and in the literary structure of the saying.
First to be considered is the context. In the first part of this chapter, Paul is urging Timothy to endure for the cause of Christ. He gives Timothy three examples of people who are working for their reward: first is the soldier who works hard to please his master, second is the athlete who competes for the prize/reward, and third is the farmer who works for the reward of the harvest, etc. He then quotes a hymn in verses 11-12 that evidently is doctrinally correct to give Timothy further motivation for enduring. What then is the motivation? We must take the structure into account to determine this.
The second thing to consider is the literary structure of the quote. It is quite common in Hebrew literature to see things arranged around a chiasm. It is possibly the case in this passage. And thus we have the following:
a. For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
b. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him;
b.1 If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
a.1 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.
Line "a" deals with the issue of eternal life. It is clear that if one has died with Christ, eternal life is his. This first statement is in the aorist which taken in context with the next two tenses, which are present and future, must point to a past event in Paul's and Timothy's lives. The death must therefore refer to their positional death with Christ.
Line "b" deals with their present situation. This is in the present tense which points to their present circumstances. They were enduring suffering. If they continued to endure, they would reign with Christ. Reigning is different than living eternally and refers to receipt of rewards and a superior quality of eternal life. This concept can be supported by passages like 1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Pet. 1:11; 2 Cor. 5:9-10; Rom. 14:10. This then is the motivation: eternal rewards, not eternal life.
Line "b1 " uses the future tense and thus looks to a future possibility in which Paul and Timothy might, in their human weakness, deny Christ. If that were to happen, Christ would certainly deny them something. Here is where the debate centers. But because line "b1" is paired with and contrasted to line "b" in the chiasm, the thing denied must be rewards and the superior quality of life.
Line "a1 " returns to the topic of eternal life and to the assurance that this eternal life is theirs. Thus Paul says that Christ will remain faithful even though we do not endure.
It must be noted that lines "b" and "b1 " deal with the same issue and lines "a" and "a1" deal with a different issue. To do as Hiebert does and include "b1" and "a1" as being more closely related than "b" and "b1" is to misunderstand Paul's logic and the logic of the Hebrew mind.
Furthermore, it is characteristic of the chiasm that the center holds the main idea, and so it is in this pericope which is concerning rewards. Thus, understanding the use of the chiastic structure, and taking into consideration the context of giving Timothy further motivation for endurance, helps the reader understand that Paul is explaining that eternal rewards can be earned. And consequently our eternal position is secure, it is the eternal rewards which are at stake.
1 Homer Kent, The Pastoral Epistles, p. 264.
2 Charles Ryrie, So Great Salvation, p. 141.
3 Ralph Earle, 2 Timothy, The Expositor's Bible commentary, p. 401.
4 Hendricksen, 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, p. 254.
5 D. Edmond Hiebert, Second Timothy, p. 63.
6 Lenski, Interpretation of St. Paul's Epistles to theColossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus and to Philemon, p. 796.
7 Hendricksen, A Commentary on I&II Timothy and Titus, p. 260.
Related Topics: Assurance


text:
"But I'll get to nail Helen of Troy, right?"
- ~ Faust on Nailing Helen of Troy
Amy Brangelbert Faust (Faust = Fist in German) M.D (b. 1 May 1269) was a famous philanthropist, back in the glorious 15th century, also known as the Age of Light. A trained doctor, he developed a miracle cure for the Black Death, and was well-loved in his town.
He was a good friend of Oscar Wilde, the eminent doctor often treating various injuries and diseases without actually questioning how Wilde got them... actually, he wasn't that good a doctor, he just didn't ask many questions.
After rescuing him from the an isolated alpine valley, Faust adopted the young Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The animosity between the two was legendary, and Faust made sure to kick Goethe out of the house as soon as he reached the age of seventeen. In a strange twist of fate however, Goethe wrote a semi-fictional biography of his adopted father which many believe to be his greatest work and is most definitely the work most associated with this bumbling poet. In another twist of fate, Goethe was gassed by the Nazis in 1943.
Sometime later in his life, after Goethe had left for Amsterdam, Faust acquired certain mystical powers after going on an acid trip with a dog he met on the street. He later claimed that the dog was actually the Devil, and tried to cleanse himself of his sins by chasing the Devil out of his house.
This may have some semblance of truth to it, as everyone knows that the Devil cannot be in cats, as so many people have been huffing cats and sucking their souls into their own bodies, but the world has only been becoming a better place...
Faust's story ends sadly. After losing his girlfriend to a stray cumshot, he turned emo, swearing never to taste the sperm of anal love until death claimed him for his own. Well, actually, it was Death, or Wilde... and Faust was gay.
Dr. Faust: The Book[edit]
Dr. Faust has a biography written on him by Viktor Carmichael Andrews, an English man in New York. Initially approved by Faust himself, the book has become the reason of a feud between Andrews and Dr. Faust because of some chapters Faust didn't want in the book. Andrews then changed the name of the book as Dr. Faustus and his Naughty Little Demons and claimed it was fictitious and not based on Dr. Faust's life. Noone bought it. The unwanted parts of the book are rumored to be the chapters where Dr. Faust(us) sings "You're the Wind under my wings" in front of the mirror holding a testing tube as a microphone.
Dr. Faustus and His Naughty Little Demons is now regarded as a classic in the English Literature. The book is now read by poor souls studying English Literature along with some really dumb German Literature students who look at the wrong column in the curriculum. The scene where Faust is fisting and raping Mephisto is one of the most loved and detailed scenes in the history of literature and appeared in many pornographic movies. Faust is fisting with his fisting fist. V. C. Andrews still resides in New York with his three dogs Slagathor, Kibariye and Merman.
Faust: The Opera[edit]
Very long five act opera by very short french composer Charles-François Gounod (French pronunciation: [Gonad]), based on a plot from Loose Women.
An old man sells his soul to the devil so he can be young again. This makes him very randy and he chases after a young woman called Margarita Pracatan, who he eventually seduces with a little help from the devil.
Margarita's brother isn't very happy about this, but there's nothing he can do until after he gets back from fighting wars and singing patriotic songs. Faust kills him, despite being a heroin junkie, and with his dying breath the brother calls Margarita a slapper! This makes her: 1. upset, 2. a social outcast, 3. pregnant.
She kills her baby by dancing ballet with bare feet and gets sent to prison. Faust visits her, and with the devil's help he tries to free her, but she recognises the devil even though he has changed his name to Mephisto The Mexican Cat Wrestler. She sings to both of them to "go thither", especially Faust! This redeems her, which is lucky because moments later she drops dead. Her soul is lifted to heaven by angels and Faust becomes an old man again, doomed to an afterlife of hot pokers in uncomfortable places.


text:
Buddy Meyers
Vice Chairman
Buddy Meyers, a principal owner of the Wolves who founded the franchise with Don Levin and Grant Mulvey in January 1994, has been involved in the world of hockey for more than 45 years. He is a former certified agent of the National Hockey League Players' Association and is past attorney for the Soviet Red Army Hockey Team (CSKA).
He is a practicing attorney and the principal in the law firm of William Buddy Meyers, Ltd. His concentration is in the areas of worker's compensation and personal injury litigation. Additionally, he is a member of the Illinois Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and Illinois Workers Compensation Lawyers Association; a former director of the Better Boys Foundation and River North Association; and a recipient of the Shomrim Society of Illinois' Man of the Year Award in 2006. He also supports numerous charitable and environmental organizations.
Meyers, who was inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame on Jan. 26, 2014, is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds a juris doctor degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago Kent. He and Jill live in the River North area of Chicago and have five children between them: Justin, Lindsey, Zak, Brad, and Leslie.


text: Livingston, N.J. resident Marilyn Fraulo was the winner of the $100,000 Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Youth Foundation 20th Annual Scholarship Lottery. Pictured, from left, are George Balunis, Optimist Youth Foundation Lottery Coordinator Martin Hart, winner's Father, and Fraulo. Her winning ticket was picked at the club sponsored 25th Seaside Boat Show on Feb. 17 in the OC Convention Center. Remaining proceeds of the lottery campaign will be applied to scholarships for deserving Stephan Decatur High School graduates.


text:
When an unexpected summer storm knocked out power across the mid-Atlantic region in July, more than 4 million people went without power for up to two weeks.
Throughout the summer, a severe drought across much of the country also put a serious strain on the nation's infrastructure.
Couple that with the threat of a currency collapse, civil unrest, and other nightmare scenarios—stocking up for the unexpected is looking smarter all the time.
Now, a small-but-growing segment of society is asking the question, "What happens when the lights go out for more than just a few days?"
Many of these "preppers" think the recent record-setting blackout could be just a preview of things to come.
Keith Iton is a die-hard prepper and has started a business to help others get ready as well.
"The biggest problem we suffer here in North America is complacency," he claimed.
"People figure since nothing has happened in 'x' amount of years, nothing bad will ever happen," Iton continued. "So they get comfortable, and they get lazy and then unpreparedness comes in. Then you have other people who look at history."
From 'Crazy' to Common
Survivalists are sometimes seen as wild-eyed, crazy people waiting for the 'zombie apocalypse.' But with the state of the economy in today's world, being prepared is more popular than ever.
Recently, some 2,000 people gathered in North Carolina for the the Carolina Readiness Seminar to discuss the risks and what can be done about them.
"It's very environmental, very green, takes us off of fossil fuels, and [is] very easy to do," prepper Joel Henderson said.
Henderson is co-owner of Green Gold Filters, one of the vendors at the recent convention. His patented filtration system is helping people accomplish something that America has been trying to do for years—run a vehicle without foreign oil.
"If anybody has a diesel engine, truck, tractor or generator, you can use used cooking oil as an alternative diesel fuel or motor oil," Henderson explained.
"If you go to the restaurants, this is a local restaurant here in Nashville, an Indian restaurant, this is their used cooking oil they were throwing away," he continued. "We picked it up, ran it through our filter system, and now we have a nice alternative diesel fuel that I'll put right in my tank."
'Doomsday Preppers'
The prepper movement is being helped along by a new trend in television shows about the subject. The most popular is National Geographic's Doomsday Preppers.
"Doomsday Preppers is the highest-rated show right now ever on National Geographic," casting director Brooklyn Bagwell said.
"It's a show about your average American family, unique people who are prepping for any of life's uncertainties, whether that be economic collapse to solar flare in 2012. No matter what it is they're going to be prepared," he added.
One of the challenges for the show is that most preppers aren't eager to advertise their stockpiles of supplies, since if the bottom drops out, looting could be a real problem.
"We do understand it could be a risk, but we do respect privacy on the show. We don't have to say your first name or last name or where you're from," Bagwell said.
"We try to get in the lives of many diverse preppers, and have each prepper give a take away to our viewers so they can learn more about prepping," he said.
Prepare with God
Iton said the first step to being prepared, however, has nothing to do with canned food or bottled water.
"Your first step to preparedness, for me personally, is your relationship with Jesus Christ," he explained. "If you build a solid relationship with Jesus Christ, then you are more prepared than the average Joe."
"Then after that, if you can get a little food, water stored away, a little safe retreat, it'll all fall into place," Iton said. "You want to be able to feed yourself, feed your family, help a neighbor, help a friend."
A hundred years ago, having extra supplies in the house was considered completely normal. But that has changed.
A recent survey found that 55 percent of Americans have less than three days supply of food in their homes. Many people have no emergency supplies, or even a first aid kit.
But with America's infrastructure becoming more fragile every day, preppers say it's a good idea to stock up, just in case.
To contact us or to submit an article, click here.
Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! Never miss a big news story again. Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter.


text:
(visited by Rod Kevill and Sandra Kevill)
25-Sep-2005 -- We had successfully visited S24 E119 the previous day, and were hopeful of claiming S26 E121 today. My brother John and his wife Mariane had headed back south this morning, leaving Sandy and I to tackle the next confluence on Millrose Station on our own.
We headed off towards Wiluna, diverting briefly on to the Canning Stock Route to No.2 Well, then continued on to Wiluna, then out east to the Lake Violet turnoff and on to Millrose. I had phoned Rex and Norma Ward earlier in the week to obtain permission to use the station tracks.
We arrived at the station around midday, and Norma showed us detailed maps of the tracks we would need to get close to the confluence. We headed off and after about 80km of good tracks, we arrived at a point about 4km from the confluence. Leaving the track, we drove through a variety of light timber, spinifex, and clay pan, weaving our way finally to within about 300m of the confluence. We took the usual set of photos, then returned to the vehicle to discover a very flat staked front tyre. A quick fix with a tyre repair plug, and we were on our way back to the station, passing numerous kangaroos around the wells at around sunset.


text:
ok, back to the beat. normally i find myself cycling through sets at a very quick rate. it seems like most barely keep my attention for more than a week or so... recently, there have been a couple that have been on repeat. first, is the guido schneider set i posted earlier. if you didn't take my advice and grab it then, do so now. second, the DBX livepa and discussion got me in the more for some more bell, so i tracked down this oldie. and it is simply superb.
daniel bell @ star club, detroit 2001
and i know i post quite a few move d sets - and this one has been doing the rounds - but seriously, if you haven't heard this recording from his doing his sunday best in NY, do so. now. this is really sublime dj'ing. have been listening to this daily. life is a bit rough these days and D has been helping me through some really long days.
move d @ sunday best, NY 2008
keeping on the house tip, here is something from the dutchies - jacking house with a great feel to it: boris werner & lauhaus @ club 11, amsterdam 2008
i am sure there was another set or two i meant to post, but can't remember them now, so that'll do. been listening to quite a few mix cds and albums, will report on them soon if the chance presents itself. enjoy the sounds.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
luv DBX
some comments in response to the previous post reminded me that i needed to share this little beauty with everyone. it is 30 minutes of the livepa daniel bell played at 5 days off. there is a bit of crowd noise, but the recording is good enough to listen to, and to hear what we are all missing out on. and we are missing out for sure. DBX is playing a select series of live shows and that's it, back to dj'ing after that. and while his dj'ing his exceptional, well, his productions are truly special. i would happily sell an organ or two to see DBX live. unfortunately no one has offered me that deal, so i'll have to make do with this recording. and hope that he changes he mind and plays live again someday, when i can see him. and a bit of advance warning, the recording finishes while 'losing control' is still going. ouch. but we do get the full version of 'baby judy' and that is pretty awesome.
DBX livepa @ 5 days off
Saturday, July 26, 2008
stinky or just dinky?
someone i am still really trying to figure out is dinky. she first made a name for herself with the excellent 'acid in my fridge', but since then it seems she has presented herself more as a dj than as a producer. i may be wrong this front, especially as she has a new album coming out on vakant in a few months... regardless, i can't quite decide what i think of her as a dj. while i haven't seen her live, the sets i've heard always frustrate me: they have some really brilliant moments and inspired selections, but more often than not the overall mix lacks enough coherence for my liking and doesn't sit well. i am not sure whether this opinion is because of a personal preference for mine, which desires a high level of coherence in a set (admittedly this may come at the price of variety). regardless, i find it a bit strange that dinky markets herself as a dj primarily, when her stronger suit is definitely her productions. she has done some really great stuff on her own horizontal label, and i'm very interested to see what the album is like. i think it might have some real gems on it. anyway, i'd be keen to hear others thoughts on her djing. i am not sure why it frustrates me so. most likely because her sets almost always include some really inspired moments. the problem is they are moments. here is a new set from dinky that got me thinking, plus some other ones:
dinky july 2008 mix
dinky RA podcast march 2008
dinky @ club mio, moscow, december 2007
also, dinky has made her mix cd on crosstown rebels from the end of last year available for free download. right when it was released, the distributor went under and her mix never saw the light of day. dinky presents get lost 03
ok, there are some recent examples of her dj'ing. if you want, tell us what you think...
Thursday, July 24, 2008
mnml ssgs mx08: Jasper TX
The latest ssgmx is an ambient collection of gorgeous drones, guitar tones and neo-classical swells courtesy of Swedish artist Dag Rosenqvist, better known to the listening public as Jasper TX.
Rosenqvist's guitar-based explorations have drawn comparisons to Fennesz and Oren Ambarchi. But while these artists are most definitely touchstones for Rosenqvist, he has developed a style that is distinctly his own, both melancholic and uplifting, swinging between beautiful melodies and warm haunting drones.
A prolific artist who is showing no signs of slowing down, Rosenqvist has released five full-length albums since 2005, with his very latest 'Black Sleep' having just been released on the Miasmah label. (A label worth keeping an eye on, by the way.) He also produces more "traditional" indie-rock sounds with his band De La Mancha.
Rosenqvist kindly answered a few of our questions, talking about the mix, his music and the importance of hope.
1. How did you make this mix?
I made it using Pro Tools. Since there are little or no beats to this kind of music I just wanted to get the tracks flowing seamlessly into each other.
2. Why did you choose these particular tracks?
Well first off I wanted to include one of my own tracks, just as a small introduction to what kind of music I make. It might not be 100% representative of my overall sound but I think it's a sweet little gem of a song. The rest of the tracks are basically divided into two different categories. Songs by artists that I have been inspired by, and songs from artists that might not be that well known. I realize of course that none of these artists are that well known, some of them are just slightly bigger fish in our little pond. I just felt I wanted to introduce you to some of the smaller fish too.
3. Are there any particular emotions or feelings you would like to express with this mix?
I wouldn't say that there are any particular feelings I want to express. My intention with this mix is rather to shed some light on the kind of music I like. I think a lot of people out there think of this kind of music as kind of depressing and inaccessible. But to me that's just not the case. To me this is really uplifting, warm, embracing music that makes me feel very good. I want the listener to have an open mind when listening to this music and really give it a chance.
4. Are there any particular emotions or feelings you would like to express with your music as Jasper TX?
Each song is an attempt to express emotions, feelings, dreams, hopes. A lot of my songs start out as snapshots in my mind. What I then do is try and transform these images into music. Always aiming at coming as close to that initial snapshot as possible.
5. I'm curious about the name Jasper TX. Does it have any special meaning?
In 1998 an African American man named James Byrd Jr. was killed in the city of Jasper TX. On June 7, 1998, Byrd, 49, accepted a ride from three men named Shawn Allen Berry, Lawrence Russell Brewer, and John William King. Instead of taking him home, they beat him up behind a convenience store, chained him by the ankles to their pickup truck, stripped him naked and dragged him for three miles. Although Lawrence Russell Brewer claimed that Byrd's throat had been slashed before he was dragged, forensic evidence suggests that Byrd had been attempting to keep his head up, and an autopsy suggested that Byrd was alive for much of the dragging and died after his right arm and head were severed when his body hit a culvert.
So I decided to take the name Jasper TX for my project, so that we never forget and to remind myself that the world can turn into a horrible place if we don't try and change it. This is why I try to fill my music with hope. Because the last thing that abandons us is hope. Right?
6. Now that 'Black Sleep' has just been released, what are you working on at the moment?
I finished an album a while ago that is set for release early 2009 entitled 'Singing Stones'. It'll be released on the Swedish label Fang Bomb. I'm also currently working on a follow up to 'Black Sleep'. I have two or three finished tracks for that one but as of now I have no idea when or where it will be released. All I know is that it'll be dark and very, very good. Aside from these releases I have a 3" CD coming on the Norwegian label Fenetre Records this fall and I also have a song on a compilation and a split 7" on the Australian label Sound & Fury. Be sure to check by my Myspace frequently for more info and news.
1. Jasper TX – Better days to come (Lidar Productions)
2. Mountains – Sewn two (Apestaartje)
3. Anthony Burr & Skúli Sverrisson – Except in memory (The Workers Institute)
4. Machinefabriek – Somerset (Lampse)
5. Jóhann Jóhannsson - The Sun's Gone Dim And The Sky's Turned Black (4AD)
6. Cerberus Shoal – Omphalos (Temporary Residence)
7. Tsukimono – Gathering heavy breathing (Kalligrammofon)
8. Wouter van Veldhoven – First simple song (Eat This Media)
9. Eluvium – Everything to come (Temporary Residence)
10. Jacob Kirkegaard – Church (Touch)
11. Erik Enocksson – The lingering procession (Kning Disk)
A few technical notes about downloading the mix:
direct download here
Also, the podcast should (hopefully) be working again, so if you would like to subscribe to the ssg cast please do so here.
Jasper TX's Myspace site
And, finally, a huge thanks to Dag for providing us with such a beautiful mix … and some hope.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
We Were Never Mnml (Inpress Column, July '08) [Techno: it's just not cricket...]
Melbourne is a very rockist city, in case you haven't noticed. Oftentimes, my fretting fellow acquaintances of the '3000s' will ask me, at a complete loss, 'Just what is it about techno that you like?' Okay, sure. I can understand why rock kids are puzzled by techno. After all, rock has a force and immediacy that has seen it become hugely popular the world over. Without a doubt, a big part of its strength and appeal is its ability to generate powerful recognitions and identifications: listeners know the words, they can sing along, and not only that, the singer is crooning or yowling about something (usually love or lust) that makes fans feel better about themselves. The rhythms are strong and simple, the melodies big and memorable, and if the musicians are any good, then the timbres they generate can be quite interesting. It's just a shame that, for the most part, there's been very little stylistic or technological innovation in rock in the past ten years. Don't believe me? Tune in to JJJ or MMM – it's still 1995.
It's also true that, to a person whose ears are finely tuned into all the things that make rock 'tick', techno is… arid, to say the least. This is music (if indeed it is music), that has been shorn of almost everything that's considered 'musical' by most traditions. Au revoir my sweet chord progression; farewell my cherished verse/chorus/verse; goodbye my lovely lead singer (and your hairdo and abusive personal life); so long my sweet, phallic props.
There's nothing of that in techno. Even among other forms of electronic music, there's not much to cling on to. Trance, at least, has huge melodies, harmonic progressions and roller coaster breakdowns; house, meanwhile, has funky basslines and vocals – when we surrender all this, what are we left with? No human voice, no songs, no hooks, very little melodic development, and almost no audible 'human' musicianship. Just endless sets of incessant machine-generated drum patterns cycling for hours at allegro-ish tempos between 125-140 BPM, almost none of which stray far from the basic pattern of four crotchet kicks to the bar interspersed with snares and hats every second or fourth beat. Yes, you're right, it really is mostly just 'doof doof doof'. So yeah – just what is it about techno that I like?
Well, I like it for all the features just described: the inhumanity, the aridity, and yes, the repetitiveness. Techno is repetitive, but all rhythm is repetition. And by getting rid of almost everything else, we can get deeper into the deep, incessant joy of the groove – the very same thing that made James Brown squeal and call for his cape. As Berghain's resident DJ Marcel Dettmann said, all a good techno track has to have is 'character, soul and a kind of hypnotic, industrial feeling.' You surrender almost everything else, and in return, you get 'clarity, deepness and simplicity.' It's simple, no mistake. But that's what's good about tracks – what's good about sets, sequences of tracks that go on for hours and hours and hours. Isn't it repetitive? Doesn't it get boring? Well, yes and no – maybe to you… what's good about it is actually very similar to what's good about test cricket.
A lot of people in Australia – mostly the kind who find techno deadly boring – spend their summers giving their passionate enthusiasm to watching the tests… events which, like techno sets, are considered baffling, boring or even downright stupid by many. Let's just say you're a pole-vaulter from Bratislava on holiday in Melbourne over January and you turned on the telly of an afternoon – I'm sure you would wonder what the hell was going on. Why is everyone standing around? Why do they perform the same action over and over and over, where are their poles… and when is 'it' going to happen?
What the Slovak with the penchant for bendy staves would be missing is the fundamental enjoyment of test cricket, a pleasure that it shares with techno. A test match, like a good set of techno, is an epic, one that unfolds on a grand scale. On this kind of massive canvas, you have to surrender your desire for instant gratification, in exchange for the thorough and complete 'testing' that comes out in the slow unfolding of strengths, movements, flows and impacts. Be patient, keep watching, have a beer, talk to your friend, and slowly but surely, the accumulation of numbers slowly turns into results: things shape up, and gradually this determines the outcome of the match or set. Your enjoyment is only limited by your lack of knowledge of each of the elements, your lack of awareness of the skills with which the person delivers them, and your ignorance of what came before. As when you enter a nightclub at 2am (no mean feat in the 3000s of '08), turning on the cricket at 2pm every day with the ignorance of a Slovakian pole-vaulter would reveal a spectacle that appears to be always the same – unlike a marriage or an assassination, there's never one decisive, irreversible moment that changes everything. In a way, 'it' never happens. But in another way, this is just because it's always happening: it's not about the moment, it's about the movement. Techno sets, like cricket matches, are a sustained, gradual, accumulative and almost inexhaustible polyrhythmic revelation of a group of enthusiastic, skilled people's most continued and attuned engagement with their instruments. If you know the rules, the skills, the state of play and the personalities playing it, there are few things more rewarding or entertaining.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
tune in, drop out.
a bit of live blogging action for everyone out there. if you happen to read this now-ish (sunday or monday), i strongly suggest tuning into the bar25 stream. i've been thoroughly enjoying it so far. i have no idea who is dj'ing but the music is good and that's enough for me as i sit in my office on a sunday afternoon trying/failing to work. i would record the stream, but i can't be bothered and my work computer is crap. so tune in or miss out. click *here* to start the fun.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
again. berghain. again.
i'm hoping to do a longer post in the next few days on some thoughts i've had coming out of philip sherburne's (or sherbs, as we have titled him) worthwhile piece at pitchfork, but that'll have to wait until i get a bit more time. for now, just a couple more sets from two of our favourite berghainers. the nodge set is brilliant. i think we will be seeing a lot more of him in the coming years.
mixmag.info presents norman nodge, podcast # 12 /2008/
1. Martyn – Vancouver -3024
2. Shed – Another Wedged Chicken -Ostgut
3. Substance – Relish (Shed Remix) – Scion Versions
4. Mossa – Body Selector -Complot
5. Kevin Gorman – SevenEightNine (Marcel Dettmann Remix) - Mikrowave
6. Function- Disaffected – Sandwell District
7. Technose District – Untitled – Technose District
8. Octave One – The Neutral Zone – 430 West
9. Phase – Morodem (HTS Mix) - Token
10. Arthur Oskan – Flashback - Matrix
11. UR – The Final Frontier – Underground Resistance
12. Tsui Baalbek – Slim - Grade
13. Silvershower – Ice Fractions I – Plus 8
14. Van Rivers – Spaces II - Stockholm
15. Alex Cortex – Reticarga Pt. 4 - Klang
16. Regis – S/He 1 – Downwards
17. Hrdvision – Playing For Keeps – Wagon Repair
18. Petar Dundov – Oasis – Music Man
19. Donato Dozzy & Nuel – Untitled – Aquaplano
and two more, these ones are live recordings from the klock rocker, one old, one new:
ben klock at pulp mansion berlin 20.01.2007
ben klock @ ALRT eindhoven 05.17.2008
enjoy. more soon.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
digging deep
i was in the mood for some tobias yesterday (whom, by the way, i'm tipping to be producer of 2008, but we'll leave that debate for another day), and headed over to pacotek's website to download again this livepa of tobias' from may last year. while i was there, i did a bit of digging and came across a 20 minute recording simply entitled 'live act'. having listened to it, my guess is that it is part of the livepa prosumer, murat tepeli and elif did at pacotek in february. *check it*
as for other sets i've been digging, i've been reminded that mnml ssgs isn't the only blog providing some quality mixes. at LWE nick höppner has put together some lovely sounds, breaks sl has done the same for the frenchies at boing poum tchak! and not to be outdone, random circuits goes deep and dark with samuli kemppi.
what else? two from producers i am not completely sold on, but they come up with the goods here. par grindvik delivered a pretty serious set at awakenings, while guido schneider has proved to me that his dj sets are not nearly as dry as his productions. i am really, really digging the guido set. great flow and energy.
also, for those who like afterhours fun, remember to tune in and drop out at bar25, which has livestreams for all their parties. i've been enjoying the streams on sunday and monday over the last few weeks and the lineup for this coming sunday looks enticing, with both of the mountain people being amongst the djs spinning.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
mnml ssgs mx07: Jackmate (Philpot, Phil e)
Well, it never rains it pours. Hot on the heels of the SSGs' last two mixes (both fantastic) comes another doozy, this time care of Michel Baumann. Baumann is perhaps best known as Jackmate and Soulphiction, but also works as Supatone and is a member of the League Of Ordinary Gentlemen and Manmade Science. Oh, and he runs Philpot and Phil e. A busy lad. I first got hooked on Baumann's sound with his Soulphiction track 'Phake and Phoney', which appeared on a compilation of minimal house called Inhouse Volume 1 - Modern House Sounds From Deepest Germany. After that, it was his Jackmate track 'Ghetto of My Mind' – sampling Gil Scott Heron – that won me over. But more than anything, it's been Baumann's recent tracks that have been mindblowing, and whether it's sonorous Detroit-y house, slamming, rolling minimal techno or atmospheric, finely-crafted tech-house, Baumann's productions manage to be both reverential toward their influences and full of their own character, detail and life – they're classic and personal. A mantra of mine in all things work-related is this: 'Attend to your work with passion and care.' All of Baumann's work contains a similar ethic – he gives a fuck, and it shows in everything he does, whether its the crafting of beats, the development of one of the best catalogues of any label, or DJing. As for this particular mix, what we have here is... one of the best sets I've heard all year (okay, I'm not disinterested but all the same), one that effortlessly, intricately weaves together European and American sounds and styles, old and new. Some of my favourite tracks are here: Sensorama's evergreen 'Harz' (which is thirteen years old and still sounds fresh), Isolée's great remix of Lawrence, and the everdark beauty of Aphex Twin's ambient imagination. This is everything good DJing should be: intelligent and historically-engaged track selection, deft programming, and mixes that show the inter-sympathies of each tracks as well as revealing something new about both in the slide of the fader. Lad(d)ies, you're in for a real treat. Nuff preamble – here it is.
1. rod modell - aloeswood
2. sensorama - harz
3. claro intelecto - gone to the dogs
4. robert hood -
5. dave angel - tokyo stealth fighter (carl craig remix)
6. dennis ferrer - buzz beatz
7. patrick russell - love spray
8. lawrence - titel 3 (isolee Remix)
9. burial - night train
10. martyn - vancouver
11. yennek - without house
12. patrice scott - visions of mantada
13. md3 - face the nation
14. dp 6 - hungry look
15. jackmate - earthtones dub
16. quince - for my mr.
17. ur - amazon
18. osunlade - my reflection (deetron mix)
19. dop - i..m just a man
20. dj koze - i want to sleep
21. aphex twin - slaw2
direct dl
shareonall dl
more infos about jackmate at his myspace
Friday, July 11, 2008
SSGs are givin' you High Fives
A note/disclaimer before we begin: we individually compiled our lists without any cross-consultation. All the lists therefore represent our idiosyncratic tastes... and this goes for the layout. Okay, here goes – SSGs' top 5 albums for 2008 so far:
PC's take:
I think this year's been an interesting one so far. We've seen a lot of high-quality material; several perfectly-executed simulacra of classic styles; a whole lot of forgettable Abletonised drivel; and some other works that defy easy categorisation, or even cognition. It's the last bunch that have really moved me. These are the works that nothing could have prepared you for – the albums that 'fell to earth'. So my top five is as follows:
1) Move D and Benjamin Brunn – Songs from the Beehive
I've already reviewed this puppy for RA. A lot of (ahem) people didn't like my high-falutin' language and overly-intricated descriptions. Who could blame them? ...Me! No, 'but seriously', this was an album that sent me into all kinds of rhapsodies. It's one of those great works I try to foist on people, including my classical and jazz friends who 'don't get' electronic music. I bought a new pair of speakers the other day (Dynaudio Audience 42s to replace my aged KEFs) and after I forked over the money, they let me upstairs to the 'silly room' where the dreams of middle-aged middle-class men come true. I listened to D/Brunn's 'Radar' on a 20,000 system... wow. I think the guy in the shop was bored by the slowly developing track, but for me this is just a superb piece of music, and on the ridiculously expensive speakers, it was like getting licked, hearing liquid, and having goosebumps all at the same time.
2) Matmos – Supreme Balloon
Everything is analysis, process and rule-governed 'projects' to Matmos, which can be incredibly stifling. But as a research student, I can kinda dig it. This album is supposed to be them 'letting go'... except that it's still totally rule-governed: it's *all* made with vintage synths. As such, there's a lot of Raymond Scott here, a lot of Peter Thomas, a lot of Tangerine Dream... maybe a touch of Vangelis? Then a healthy dash of Switched on Bach and so forth... Man, it's just amazing how cool all this vintage gear sounds, and it's so easy on the ear! Much nicer to listen to than so much of the compressed-to-shit, clean melodic tech-house that's about (which I like too, but it wears me out and can be very mono and dull). This project would be just a folly (tra la la), but then there's the title track. FUCK ME. This is easily one of the coolest compositions I've heard all year. Can't stop playing it.
3) Kangding Ray – Automne Fold
Ray (or just Kangding to his mates) is fantastic: imagine monolake learned how to write songs – imagine Apparat learnt the beauty of restraint. This album manages to be 'high-concept digital minimalism' as you'd expect from Raster-Noton, but it's also warm, soothing, and 'well played'. Took it home from the pub the other night on the headphones, and (with the help of maudlin-ising liquor) I got all teary listening to this. It's bleak, it's dark, but it's also fragile and warm and expresses a lot of vulnerability. Turns out his last one's just as good, too, if you can't get enough.
4) Kelley Polar – I Need You to Hold on While the Sky is Falling
KP is just so hyper-melodic. Virtuosity often leads to dubious music (BT, Steve Vai), because quite often (usually? always?) taste and style is more important for expression than technique. It's true – think about people who 'can't sing' like Bob Dylan and Lou Reed. Would you rather listen to them, or a 'technically gifted' nightmare who looks like a trussed-up whippet in a cocktail dress... you know who...
These are great songs, and actually far more new wave and less disco than they appear. My ipod kept on bringing on John Foxx after Polar (who understands the logic of the pod's 'random' function?) and, aesthetics aside, there was a lot in common. But that's not the main thing, which is the incredible colours of the melodies, and the way they lift you. Listening is like the aftermath of good loving – you'll be humming all afternoon.
5) Jacaszek – Treny
Nothing's better than this one for a sadsack, cold afternoon watching the grey clouds drift by. Very Murcof-y – and if you dig Max Richter, Rune, Colleen, or any other such tones and timbres, you're likely to be as enchanted by this as I was.
Runners up? Lots, and many of these didn't make the cut simply because although I enjoyed them immensely, they lacked originality and/or were simply collections of previously released EPs. And with the Four Tet, the disqualification is on a technicality: it's an EP.
Syclops – I've Got My Eye On You
The Mole – As High as the Sky
Osborne – Osborne
Prosumer & Murat Tepeli – Serenity
Four Tet – Ringer
There have also been some outstanding EPs, mixes and recent promos/leaks, but we'll have to save them for another time. Okay, over to Dave.
Dave: Thus far 2008 has been an excellent year for albums. Probably the best for the last 2-3 years. However, it's been the non-techno albums which have fared best. Therefore many of the albums on this list are of a non-techno nature.
1. Fuck Buttons - Street Horrrsing
I've often felt that the glitchier side of mnml sounds like musicians making accidental noise. However, Fuck Buttons sounds like noise artists making accidental music. Benjamin John Power and Andrew Hung started out as straight up noise artists who specialised in brutal live performances but as they moved into a studio environment rhythm, melody and even traces of song structure started to enter into the mix. The end result is an album which takes elements of drone, ambient, techno, psychedelia, shoegaze and noise. It's probably the most original sounding album i've heard since Mu's "Afro Finger and Gel" and a great example of how a different approach to music can yield fresh ideas.
2. Rhys Chatham - Guitar Trio Is My Life!
While I found the recent detroit debate rather interesting, it wasn't something i contributed in as i find it pretty much impossible to classify what techno is. Also, i'm pretty sure whatever my classification is wouldn't be shared by many others. I believe Radiohead's "Kid A" is a techno album as is PiL's "Metal Box" and Pansonic's "Kesto" To me techno is more about philosophy than just sound. It's about taking minimal mechanical structures and electronic tones and creating something falsely human from them. So this is probably why i think this is the best techno album of the year so far. Rhys' guitar trio project involves a drummer, a bassist and several guitarists who are instructed to play the same chords/rhythms for a set period of time with an initial buildup followed by a breakdown then one final wall-of-guitar onslaught. Spread over 3 hours is 10 performances of the same song only with different players who are each allowed to add their own subtle styles to the mix. So each performance takes it's own shape with the guitars combining into different amplified shapes and textures. Despite the minimal approach and strict limitations in structure, and sounds Guitar Trio Is My Life manages to be highly engaging and expressive over 3 hours. It's like the guitars take on their own personality and i get the same "falsely human" feel i'd get from traditional techno. Oh yeah and it rocks too.
3. Move D and Benjamin Brunn - Songs From The Beehive
Everyone has labels or sounds that they struggle with getting into. Dial has always been a label i've wanted to like but just can't get into. It always sounded nice enough and I know it's skillfully produced but it always left me cold. However, i find Move D and Benjamin Brunn's added analogue warmth and squelches really engaging. As Pete said in his RA review, Songs From The Beehive is able to transport you to another place. It's a feeling i haven't had so intensely from a techno album since Wearemonster.
4. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
So this is an album that takes New Order-esque pop and adds elements of electro house, indie and 90s techno-pop. This has been attempted so many times before and before In Ghost Colours i honestly didn't think it would be possible to pull this off so well. So where exactly does Cut Copy work where so many have failed in the past? Simply because of some excellent song writing and the midas touch of DFA's Tim Goldsworthy. This is a superbly crafted pop album which is well paced, cohesive and full of catchy hooks. What more could you want from a pop album?
5. Paavoharju - Laulu laakson kukista
I've always loved Finnish Phych-folk but only in small doses as it was a little to abstract. But for their latest album Paavoharju have inserted bursts of pop amongst their psychedelia. The album sounds like an old dusty mix tape with moments of staticy folk interspersing moments of europop, straight up fold and piano ballads. With such a wide range of sounds squeezed into a 35 minute album Laulu Laakson Kukista really should sound like a mess but it sounds anything but.
it really was hard to keep this list down to just 5 so here's another 10 that missed the cut:
Kangding Ray - Automne Fold
Raster Notion micro-glitch with an infusion of pop
Times New Viking - Rip It Off
Noisy lo-fi art punk with great energy and hooks.
Soulphiction - Do You Overstand
Beautifully executed soulful house music from Jackmate
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Dig Lazarus Dig
Cave strips back his sound and comes up with his best work in years
Syclops - I've Got My Eye On You
Maurice Fulton doing his thing with predictably awesome results
Maju - Maju-5
5th in the excellent series of ambient soundscapes from this Japanese collective
Growling - Lateral
Largely guitar driven ambient drone
Hercules & Love Affair - S/T
Yes it's not as consistent as i first thought but still a great disco-pop album regardless
Portishead - Third
The fact Portishead was able to reinvent themselves so effectively after such a long absence is probably the most pleasant surprise of 08 so far
Yellow Swans - At All Ends
Doom metal meets dark ambient drone in all its sinister glory
Cam's take:
1. Jacaszek: Treny (Miasmah)
On 'Treny' Polish artist Michał Jacaszek deftly blends classical elements with electronic manipulations, crafting 11 pieces of hauntingly beautiful melancholia. There's a touch of gothic here, with operatic female vocals gently floating through the tracks that are slightly reminiscent of Dead Can Dance. There's a hint of Murcof too, with subtle micro-edits and subterranean sounding bloops appearing here and there. A layer of gauze is thrown over the album, with crackles, static and hiss evoking hazy feelings of nostalgia for times long past. The atmosphere is funereal, but unlike some artists on the Miasmah label Jacaszek refrains from taking proceedings into areas of unease and dread, and actually turns up the lights (slightly) for the album's final track. With every track locking together perfectly to create a fully realized vision, Jacaszek has produced not only the best neo-classical release of 2008 (so far), but also one of the best I've heard in the past few years. This is nothing short of brilliant.
You can listen to the first three tracks of the album over at Jacaszek's Myspace page, and you can see an excerpt from a live performance here.
2. Move D & Benjamin Brunn: Songs From The Beehive (Smallville)
With Pete's rather excellent review for RA perfectly capturing the feel of Move D and Benjamin Brunn's second full-length collaboration, I'm not sure I can add anything more. But I'll give it the old ssgs try.
For me, the pleasure of 'Songs From The Beehive' comes from enjoying the ebb and flow of the tracks as they take their (ahem) sweet time in gradually unfolding, tracing lazy circles as they do so. This is particularly true with the album's four longer tracks, with the shortest of these almost 12 minutes long and the longest clocking in at just over 20. Despite their length, the tracks are not "epic" or "huge" in feel; instead, with the palette of soft, smoothly flowing sounds that D & B employ, the tracks are gentle and comforting, washing warm waves of aural honey over the listener. Yet as Pete pointed out in his review, there's groove here too, which is essential for sharpening the tracks (ever so slightly), giving them structure and drive. The result is one of the most sublime albums of the year so far … I cannot recommend this highly enough.
You can preview the tracks over at Smalleville's Myspace (you'll need to scroll down a bit to the "whatpeopleplayer"). And massive props to Smalleville for securing such an amazing album for the label's first full-length release.
3. Kangding Ray: Automne Fold (raster-noton)
For those who've come to know and love (or perhaps loathe) raster-noton's experimental/digital aesthetic, Berlin-based artist David Letellier's second album for the label as Kangding Ray is something of a surprise. Melodies. Vocals. Organic instrumentation such as violins and a detuned piano. Song structures. A lyric sheet in the CD. Hang on – this is a raster-noton release, right?
Indeed it is. Letellier combines these elements with many of the hallmarks of the label's sound, as he deploys crisp digital beats, higher-end frequencies and rhythmic bursts of hiss and static to create an album that feels very clean and pristine, yet also very warm and organic. It's this contrast that makes 'Autumne Fold' such a fascinating album, and the way in which Letellier so perfectly marries these seemingly opposing sounds is amazing.
Of course, the raster-noton label has seen melodies and organic instruments before, most notably on Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto's absolutely brilliant collaborations. Yet the extreme restraint and austerity of those albums made them difficult for some listeners to approach. With 'Autumne Fold' Letellier has crafted an album that is both extremely interesting and extremely accessible. Amazing stuff, and another feather in the cap for raster-noton.
You can listen to five tracks from the album over at Kangding Ray's Myspace, and check out more sound samples at his website.
4. The Mole: As High As The Sky (Wagon Repair)
Ladies and gentlemen, The Mole hereby presents the feelgood summer album of 2008. Incredibly fun, funky and infectious 'As High As The Sky' is packed full of highly danceable disco/house tracks that are positively loopy. Yes, I am indeed making a groan-worthy pun here, because one of the great joys of the album is its many loops that spin around and around and around. I know that sounds rather simple, but as with many things that seem simple (there's actually a lot going on under the hood in these tracks), that's why it works. As Hot Chip once sang, "Over and over and over and over and over … the joy of repetition really is in you."
You can listen to some samples here. Also, please note that while the above Discogs entry I linked to is for the double vinyl, there is indeed a CD version of 'As High As The Sky' with 11 tracks including an edit of 'Baby You're The One'. (The CD version hasn't been listed on Discogs yet.)
5. Peter Broderick: Float (Type Records)
I was starting to worry a little about Type Records; after releasing some amazing albums in 2006 and 2007 they had fallen silent. Thankfully, the label has finally come out of hibernation with Peter Broderick's debut full-length 'Float', a lovely neo-classical album. The album's ten tracks are built around piano, augmented by strings and other instruments (including a theremin and a banjo, both used to great effect). The arrangements are simple and uncluttered, allowing the instruments and the sweet yet melancholic melodies to come through loud and clear. However, there are some subtle treatments applied to some of the tracks, and there is a highly effective use of field recordings (which in the case of the album's centerpiece 'Stopping On The Broadway Bridge' reminds me slightly of Rachels). At the tender age of 21, Broderick will no doubt be someone to keep an eye on in the neo-classical scene over the coming years.
You can hear two tracks from the album, along with some other tracks, at Broderick's Myspace.
And the runners up:
Christopher Bissonnette: In Between Words
I'm not as enamored with 'In Between Words' as when I first heard it, mainly because while the six tracks are all excellent, they don't fit together to create a cohesive whole. That said, the final two tracks are especially worth checking out.
Philip Jeck: Sand
Avant turntablist Jeck takes dusty and discarded pieces of vinyl and transforms them into engrossing soundscapes. Some may find the sudden bursts of noise off-putting, though.
Alva Noto: Unitxt
The most rhythmic Alva Noto release in a while. Yes, you can dance to it. Kinda.
Paavoharju: Laula Laakson Kukista
Wonderfully weird Finnish folk/pop with lovely orchestral interludes, all coated in a misty haze.
back to PC: That's all from us listwise, but stay tuned for my mouthpiece/rantpiece about some recent trendencies. That on Shunday, Shimon.
...and here's the rantpiece/thinkpiece, as promised. NB, this was written mid-June, and since then I've heard a lot of amazing albums. Cheers, PC:
We Were Never Mnml – June 2008
We're now approaching the year's half way point, and for me (and a lot of you I guess), it' a time to sort through piles of papers and send off tax returns, as well as dust, stack and file the massive piles of books, CDs and records that have accumulated over the past six months. June's a time for reckoning, for straightening, and for reorganising, so given that I'm doing a bit of summing up, looking back and re-focussing, I thought I might give some time to going back over a few of the albums that have popped up on our mutual radars since January, reassess their merits, and up or downgrade them, depending on how they've come out in the wash.
Generally, I think you'd have to say that 2008 has been a weak year for electronic albums, so far. A number of the well-received albums so far this year have been re-presentations of old formulas, and very few people have offered anything that's bold, fresh and totally unexpected. A few of the best in this vein: Syclops' I've Got My Eye On You, The Mole's As High as the Sky, Prosumer & Murat Tepeli's Serenity, Osborne, and Soulphiction's Do You Overstand?!. Each of these are a great ride and all of them are worth checking for the charming, well-executed interpretations of house music they're offering. But all the same I wonder: are any of them offering anything truly singular, anything really outstanding? Maurice Fulton's Syclops album is made fresh by the maestro's unique production style and recording techniques, his live drum sound and his wild, impressionistic piano playing. Even so, I've Got My Eye On You contains several tracks that were released as early as 2005 – so as great as it is, you can hardly call it a new album of originals. The Mole's effort is a wonderful piece of long tripping easy listening tech-house with some very well utilised disco samples, but again, there's nothing here that hasn't been done as well elsewhere many years ago. Serenity, likewise, is great, but here things are even more straight up retro – in fact, the album is more about producing 'that feeling' (ie a perfect simulacra of 80s house) than it is about exploring new possibilities. Do You Overstand?! is extremely well put together, but there's a little too much cribbing of late 90s Detroit house going on – again, like Serenity, it's a very well made simulacra of the 'original', with a wee something extra. Same goes for Osborne too, really, and, like Syclops, most of the best of it was previously released – so it's a re-packaging of a re-presentation of the classics – a second-order simulacra. To the broad, reflective, and perhaps unanswerable question that considering this provokes: what does this say about where we're at? What further innovations are possible, given the 'rules of the genre'? Is it time to break a few of them? Or even abandon them all together?
I've mentioned both Luke Solomon's Difference Engine and Kelley Polar's I Need You To Hold On While The Sky Is Falling at length in this column in previous months as original albums that are doing something new, and while I'm not quite as enthusiastic as I was about them a couple of lunar cycles back, I maintain that both, in their own way, are attempting something original and interesting and are still definitely worth checking out. The same can't be said for the big over-rated albums of the year: Claro Intelecto's Metanarrative and Hercules and Love Affair. With the former you could almost feel people straining as hard as possible to like it, like the trick of squinting at a painting in order to try and finally see 'it'. But is anyone still listening to it now? It sounded nice, but there was actually very little to really grab on to. In fact, I'd even say it's the dullest thing he's done, and a big disappointment. And as for Hercules, well, apart from Blind, is any of it really all that? Take that one sublime track out and it's a three star album, at best. I tried to listen to it all the way through the other day and got so annoyed by the sixth track I had to can it.
In fact, of all the touted albums of 2008 so far, I'll wager that only Move D and Benjamin Brunn's Songs for the Beehive will make it into most people's End of Year lists. Where does that leave us then? Well, either the best albums have yet to drop (a large possibility, given a whole six and half months to go), or we're this year's shaping up to be a fairly average crop full of well-made but unadventurous albums, most of which are overwhelmingly looking to the past for their inspiration. 'From innovator to imitator/from imitator to respirator…' But, of course, it is only June.
The same can't be said for EPs though. I feel like it's been a good crop, and a recent few have been truly exceptional. Alongside the Namlook/Pepe Bradock Subatomic Atoms EP and tobias.' I can't Fight the Feeling, The one I think of immediately is Ricky V's new Vasco EP PT I double for Perlon – and speaking of Perlon, isn't their consistency – or, as they would say, 'superlongevity' – incredible? I'm astonished that they've been able to keep the quality this good, without deviating from the label's fundamental sound, for so damned long. Ricardo's newie, being the latest of these, is hardly likely to convert ardent doubters, but for me this is real (if subtle) development of RV's unique sound signature, with more sub-bass, more percussive detail, and a more thorough integration of the melodic elements with the rhythm than in recent 'dissociative' times. Most importantly, there's something surprising about these tracks – you couldn't listen to the first four bars and predict what's going to go on for the following three hundred, unlike his Enfants, which was an extremely dull record that few people made could make work in the mix. As far as Vasco goes, the moody beast that is Electronic Water is really outstanding, but the best track on the whole thing is Shackleton's remix of Moonstar, which straightens the rhythm and introduces a great vocal sample. Without a doubt, Shackleton, along with Peverelist and Appleblim, are three producers who are pushing something fresh, new and exciting, and their productive association with the minimal/house/techno spectrum is a welcome direction. Here's to more of that in the coming months.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
i have been set up.
ok, well i haven't been set up. but i have been busy. no time for proper explanations, but these are some sounds i've been digging lately:
tinman live. the ever-reliable peeps at hardwax tell us: "long acidic trippin' retro tracks - TIP!"
more on the old school tip, an amazing old school mix based around the classic X-mix series. a seriously impressive mix this one.
red kite presents 10 years without X-mix
and a reminder of what richie sounded like when he still cared. this mix is so good. what happened? lets not start that again.
richie hawtin @ breezeblock 12.6.98
for those of you who loved the luke hess ssg mix, he is another great mix from the man.
luke hess @ radio grenouille 2007
another ssg favourite, this klock knows the time.
ben klock - bodytonic podcast 17 (24-06-2008)
who is adriaan vankeerbergen? he likes ben klock. we like him. and he has put together a really nice mix of dubbed out deep techno.
adriaan vankeerbergen - elevation mix
and last two treats i came across today:
first up, plenty of good records and a nice vibe throughout this mix. tastes good.
sweet'n'candy @ PB afterhours 6.7.2008
second, new sounds from the one man production machine. keep 'em coming. go deep.
mikael stavostrand @ kontrol 5.7.08
tinman live. the ever-reliable peeps at hardwax tell us: "long acidic trippin' retro tracks - TIP!"
more on the old school tip, an amazing old school mix based around the classic X-mix series. a seriously impressive mix this one.
red kite presents 10 years without X-mix
and a reminder of what richie sounded like when he still cared. this mix is so good. what happened? lets not start that again.
richie hawtin @ breezeblock 12.6.98
for those of you who loved the luke hess ssg mix, he is another great mix from the man.
luke hess @ radio grenouille 2007
another ssg favourite, this klock knows the time.
ben klock - bodytonic podcast 17 (24-06-2008)
who is adriaan vankeerbergen? he likes ben klock. we like him. and he has put together a really nice mix of dubbed out deep techno.
adriaan vankeerbergen - elevation mix
and last two treats i came across today:
first up, plenty of good records and a nice vibe throughout this mix. tastes good.
sweet'n'candy @ PB afterhours 6.7.2008
second, new sounds from the one man production machine. keep 'em coming. go deep.
mikael stavostrand @ kontrol 5.7.08
Monday, July 7, 2008
mnml ssgs mx06: mike parker
ok, sorry for the radio silence peeps. but what better way to make up for it than a new ssg mix. the latest installment is from mike parker. to be honest, we came across mike's work reasonably recently. we noticed a common theme in quite a few sets from donato dozzy and cio d'or - the best moments in these mixes were coming from records by mike parker. after a ssg reader noted that parker is a bomb dj, we decided he was definitely worth approaching for a mix. and luckily he agreed. the result is exactly what we hoped/expected: deep, dark and hypnotic. this mix is very reminiscent of steve bicknell's lost/cosmic soundscapes. unique and special music that very few are capable of producing and providing. so grab this mix and get lost...
mnml ssgs mx06: mike parker
1. Mike Parker / Substratum (Foundation Mix)
2. Lustmord / Heresy Part I
3. Steve Bicknell / How Can We Know? (A2)
4. Sleeparchive / Meson
5. Apathism / Ten
6. The Source Experience / Universal Energy
7. Paul Horn / Vibrations
8. Stanislav Tolkachev / Rudiment 4
9. Samuli Kemppi / Neliöavaruus
10. Solieb / Plastic Facility
11. Steve Bicknell / Spirit (A2)
12. Emptyset / Isokon
13. Sub Space / The Voyager
14. Unexplained Transmissions / Airlock
15. Donato Dozzy & Nuel / Aguaplano 000 (B2)
16. Jack Dangers / Burbidge Chain
17. Damon Wild / Travel
18. Jeff Mills / Intruder Alert
19. Jack Dangers / Pinwheel Galaxy
big thanks to mike for taking the time to contribute to our series. for more info about mike, check his homepage and myspace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)


text:
Author Name: Nicky James
Book Name: Something From Nothing
Series: Tales From Edovia
Book: One
Release Date: February 22, 2016
With an impending war breathing down his neck and an ornery group of councilmen trying to keep him on track, accidental and unlikely King, Alistair Ellesmere, struggles to find a balance between being young, having fun, and ruling his realm his way.
Alistair befriends Brandon, one of his prodigy new recruits, whose smart-ass personality drives him to the brink of insanity when he shows him up at every turn. Through an unexpected bit of witty manipulation, Alistair finds himself drawn down a forbidden path where he shares more than just a similar past with this man. Terrified at the idea of loving another man, but unable to tear himself away, Alistair is faced with the trials of secrecy, jealousy and the law.
Pages or Words: 344 pages
Categories: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, M/M Romance, Romance
His dark blond hair falls in waves in front of his eyes, covering them again. I want to see those eyes. Need to see those eyes. He is no longer the scrawny kid who stood before me last spring. He has been working with Corban on strength training, as I suggested a while ago, and is showing much progress. His shirt is pulled tight over his newly developing muscles and my eyes move over his body, taking in his stunning appearance. My breath hitches in my throat as though I have forgotten how to breathe, which is ridiculous since I've been doing it all my life without a problem until now.
Ka-Thump, Ka-thump, Ka-thump.
It had started out as a challenge. Did I have the balls to match Brandon's crazy antics? I thought so, but then, I ran away. Something happened that night to make me run and I have buried it deep, refusing to see it. Refusing to admit it. But it is there, undeniably there, and now as I stand before this man, heart ready to jump out of my chest, I know why. What Brandon suggested is crazy. It's insane and was completely unexpected, but…It excites me, sends a thrill sparking through my body.
Bloody hell. I'm losing it. This is nuts.
Brandon risked a lot that night. The man all out admitted how he felt about me and I'm standing here, right now, because I need to know, as twisted and confusing as it is, if I feel the same.
Buy the book:
Meet the author:
I live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together…surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.ethier.54
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nickyjames78/?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleJames1978
Blog Site: http://nickyjames.weebly.com/about.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1407757.Nicky_James
Publisher: Nicky James
Cover Artist: Jay Aheer
Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, A.M. Leibowitz, Dawn's Reading Nook, MM Good Book Reviews, Bayou Book Junkie, The Jena Wade, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, My Fiction Nook, V's Reads, BFD Book Blog, Oh My Shelves, Mikky's World of Books, Full Moon Dreaming, Happily Ever Chapter, Andrew Q. Gordon, The Hat Party, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Molly Lolly, Velvet Panic, Charley Descoteaux, Outrageous Heroes
Rafflecopter Prize: eCopy of 'Something From Nothing' by Nicky James
a Rafflecopter giveaway


text:
APCO Releases Best Practices for PSAPs When Processing Vehicle Telematics Calls
Alexandria, Va. – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) today announced the release of Recommended Best Practices for PSAPs When Processing Vehicle Telematics Calls from Telematics Service Providers (TSPs).
This document is a revision to the best practices released by the APCO Telematics Taskforce in 2009. It offers clear guidelines for PSAP personnel in the handling of vehicle telematics and Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) calls from TSPs and updates the information the telematics operator is expected to provide. It also contains updated TSP contact information, escalation procedures and a glossary of terms that clarifies new in-vehicle technologies. It does not define local response procedures or protocols, allowing each agency to establish appropriate call handling and dispatch policies.
APCO originally established a Telematics Task Force to identify and create best practices that are relevant to the communication of vehicle emergency information from TSPs to public safety agencies and thereby form the basis of both PSAP and TSP training curriculums. We appreciate the support and insight provided by the telematics' service providers in drafting this document.
APCO President Gregg Riddle acknowledged that "the best practices will benefit all public safety stakeholders and will improve the processing of emergency calls received from vehicle Telematics Service Providers."
About APCO International™ (www.apcointl.org)
APCO International is the world's largest organization of public safety communications professionals. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.
To stay informed with up-to-the-minute developments concerning APCO, "Like" us on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/6mslcdw) and follow us on Twitter (@GRO_APCO).


text:
A recent development has occurred in my squats. I seem to be feeling the squats work out my right leg significantly more than my left leg. As far as I can tell my stance is square and I should be using both legs evenly. It also doesn't make sense since I'm sure my right leg is strong than my left, but I may be wrong.
What could cause a squat to work one side more than the other? What should i look for in my form?


text:
Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
Additional questions or concerns may be directed to the Clerk of Court at 414-228-1752.
Show All Answers
If the citation specifically states "YES" in the box to the right of "Appearance Required", then you must appear for the date and time scheduled.
As it is the policy of this Court, I am permitted to grant ONE adjournment without your personal appearance. Please complete the attached form and return it to the Court at your earliest convenience. If received prior to the alternative sentencing being processed, you will be notified of the new date by mail. Be certain to update the court with your current mailing address as requested, [800.035(2)(a)5].
If the citation was personally served, the Court may find you guilty by default, and will impose a penalty. If you were served by mail, a Summons will be issued Ordering your appearance in court on another date. A Warrant for your personal appearance may also be issued.
You must contact the Court Clerk immediately for instructions on how to proceed 414-228-1752.
One or more of the following penalties may be Ordered by the Court's discretion: reinstatement of the original charge, reinstatement /increase of the original forfeiture, suspension of your driving privileges, suspension of your vehicle registration, a commitment to jail, certification of debt with the Department of Revenue or collection agency.
Citations issued by the Glendale Police Department, and citations issued AFTER March 25, 2020, by the Bayside Police Department, may be paid using the following link:
You will be assessed a fee to use debit or credit. Debit and credit card payments are accepted ONLINE ONLY. The full citation number is required to make your payment. NOTE: Juvenile citations are not payable with debit or credit. Payments for parking citations may only be paid using these payment links if you contested the parking citation and discussed the parking citation with the prosecuting attorney.
If you have previously been to court, found guilty and need more time to pay, you are required to return to court on the due date indicated on your paperwork to speak with the Judge. The Judge is the only person in our Court that has the authority to Grant an extension of time.
Restitution will be paid to the Victim via the North Shore Municipal Court/City of Glendale. Note: The Court does not have the authority to impose penalties for the defendant's failure to pay the restitution due.
Complete the attached form, following all directions indicated.


text: Did my thing last night in a brewery... Yes, in his wisdom, Professor Kolstad organized my speaking event for the benefit of his lucky students... In a fucking brewery. What more can I say? The man is a fucking prince. A good time was had by one and all. I am now facing the prospect of a six hour drive back to Boise. I used to do it in five or less, but the number of tickets received from the Idaho State Police (who look remarkably like members of the SS) has put the damper on that. Anyway. I will post more when I get home, and not to panic... I promise at least one Kate picture... Later!


text:
Pence says US stands by ally Japan on North Korea problem
TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Vice President Mike Pence assured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday that the United States stands "100 percent" behind its anchor ally in Asia in working to defuse risks from North Korea's nuclear program.
Pence struck a stern tone as he began talks with Abe and other Japanese leaders after arriving at a U.S. naval base from South Korea.
"We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan," Pence said. "We are with you 100 percent."
The Trump administration has signaled a more forceful U.S. stance toward North Korea's recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from Trump that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has "gotta behave."
On Monday, Pence traveled to the tense Demilitarized Zone dividing North and South Korea, where he warned North Korea's leaders that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over."
A senior North Korean official then accused the United States of bringing the countries to the brink of thermonuclear war.
At the outset of his meeting with Abe, Pence said that "While all options are on the table," Trump was determined to work with Japan, South Korea and other allies in the region to resolve the problem.
Pence, on a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia, said Trump hopes China will use its leverage to get its longtime ally North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. But the vice president expressed impatience with the unwillingness of the North to move toward ridding itself of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a new appeal Tuesday for calm on the Korean Peninsula.
Wang told reporters that although U.S. officials have made clear that a military strike remains on the table, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.
Abe said Japan likewise hopes for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, "but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless." Pressure on North Korea is crucial, the prime minister said.
After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new U.S.-Japan "economic dialogue" to be led by the two.
The new forum for trade talks was launched by Trump and Abe during the Japanese leader's visit to the U.S. in February. In part, it is meant to take the place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the regional trade pact that Trump withdrew from shortly after taking office.
While Japan's trade surplus with the U.S. is much smaller than China's, Trump has decried the imbalance, especially in auto exports.
Pence's advisers told reporters that he hopes to win better U.S. access to Japanese markets and to attract more Japanese investment in the U.S.
Both sides said they do not expect the talks in Tokyo this week to delve into sector-by-sector talks on trade. With no U.S. trade representative yet in office and other key negotiator positions still unfilled, such nitty-gritty discussions will have to come later.
But the meetings could indicate how forcefully the U.S. will pressure Japan to further open its farm and automotive sectors.
The loss of U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan following strenuous negotiations, especially over opening its long-protected farm sector to more imports, especially of dairy and meat products.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters over the weekend that Japan might push ahead with a revised, 11-nation version of the TPP despite the U.S. rejection of the trade accord.
For now, both sides seem eager to downplay potential for conflict.
"My understanding is that our talks are premised not on friction but on cooperation," Aso told reporters before Pence's arrival.
As Indiana governor, Pence saw firsthand the impact of Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Subaru, whose factories employ thousands of people in his home state.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who met with Japan's trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, earlier Tuesday, said he hopes to soon begin talks on a free trade agreement with Japan.


text:
Application Programming Interface (API)
Common name used to describe the interface a programmer uses to access a library. Common 3D API's include OpenGL, Direct3D, QuickDraw3D, Renderman, Glide, and there are dozens of other lesser known ones. The two most popular real-time 3D API's these days are OpenGL and Direct3D. Glide enjoyed a dominant but brief popularity on the PC platform in the late 1990s.


text:
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (TTWO)
Access a succinct, insightful view into how analysts view a company's prospects. The estimates page allows for quick and easy analysis of a company's consensus estimates alongside insightful visualizations that uncover long-term trends in a company's performance.
Estimates: Analyzed & Visualized
- Access present, future and past earnings, sales and EBITDA estimates for a universe of 3000+ stocks.
- Compare historical estimates against actual numbers and past tendency to surprise to understand a company's chances of outperforming its expectations.
- Visualize revision trends in present and past periods to get a sense of where estimates are headed.
Targets & Recommendations
Estimates for a company's sales and earnings culminate in analyst price targets and buy/sell/hold recommendations. The estimates page provides a concise, consolidated view into current targets and recommendations for a stock, while historical target and recommendations patterns are one click away.
The estimates page is available with a subscription. To learn more and see it in action, please contact a sales representative today.
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Call: (866) 965-7552
Unlock My AccessAccess the Estimates Page Now
Unlock access to the Estimates Page by registering below. No credit card required.
Unlock My AccessQUESTIONS?
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Call: (866) 965-7552


text:
Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) is a French painter most often associated with the Impressionist movement. His innovative use of color, light, and brushwork means that his work endures into the present. Pierre Auguste Renoir wall art is your chance to bring some of his masterful paintings to your home.

What are the characteristics of Pierre Auguste Renoir wall art?

Pierre Auguste Renoir emerged onto the 19th-century art scene with other Impressionist painters. Along with his Impressionist peers, he initially struggled for recognition. His style used small and sharp brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and incredible use of natural light, which eventually gained the respect of the critics despite criticism from the Establishment.

One of the hallmarks of Renoir's style includes a deep emphasis on contrasting colors. This approach gives his pieces depth and vibrancy. Additionally, his use of light and color is particularly impressive in representing human skin, giving his portraits a joyous exuberance.

Renoir traveled extensively. During his sojourns to Italy, he discovered classical art, and in particular, Raphael. This influenced a mid-career turn into a style with more contour and form rather than brushstrokes and color.

Trips to southern France in the 1890s also left their mark on Renoir and resulted in some of his most memorable works, with lively subject matter, including flowers and women in baths. It was a return to color that provided a link to his early work and remain some of his most impressive paintings.

How to choose the right piece of Pierre Auguste Renoir art

Renoir's career can be broken into distinct phases. As such, there are several of his paintings that will work for particular styles. Indeed, his use of varied subject matter offers something for almost every taste.

From Impressionist pictures of waterways to floral bouquets and detailed and lively portraits, Renoir's work has a vital and often pulsating edge. Like many 19th-century artworks, his best pieces work well with classical or traditional home décor styles.

When it comes to choosing Pierre Auguste Renoir art, pay careful attention to your existing color schemes. Neutral decor styles are very receptive to bursts of color that are found in Renoir's work. Similarly, you can take a leaf from Renoir's bold love of contrast and set off one of Renoir's pieces against your wall colors.

Explore our wonderful and diverse collection of Pierre Auguste Renoir Wall Art to find the piece that speaks to you. With a mix of portraits, landscapes, and detailed city scenes, there is something beautiful for every taste.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (French, 1841-1919), Pont Neuf, Paris, 1872. Originally oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Bring high quality wall art into your home or office with a canvas print that will never warp or sag. Our solid faced canvas prints are 1.25" thick and feature a sealed, finished back and pre-installed hanging hardware. It's designed to hang tough and is super easy to display. Explore our framed canvas print options for an eye-catching accent.

Our giclée canvas wall art prints are reproduced with high quality, UV-resistant, environmentally-friendly, latex inks and artist grade, polycotton canvas. We pride ourselves on color accuracy and image clarity to ensure your new canvas print lasts for years to come.

Our solid faced canvas prints feature a patented, warp-resistant design that produces outstanding gallery wraps. These 1.25" thick wrapped canvas prints also include a sealed, enclosed back to keep out dust and protect your walls.

Install your stunning new wall art in just minutes with our pre-installed sawtooth hanging hardware and easy-to-manage lightweight design. Even though they're light, our rock-solid construction boasts long-lasting durability.

Featured image: Sunshine And Love by Nikki Chu.

Art Classic Art Cityscapes Pierre Auguste Renoir France Paris


text:
Settlement areas with clearly defined boundaries limit sprawl and protect habitat corridors and natural resources.
As regions, cities, and towns grow, they tend to expand at their peripheries, generating sprawl, increased traffic, and loss of their unique characteristics, while stretching infrastructure capacity and threatening natural resources.
Consider growth boundaries when planning settlement areas that:
- Preserve natural resources and sensitive habitats;
- Incorporate population growth projections;
- Direct growth to infill, retrofits, and existing transit locations;
- Allow for adjacent new transit-oriented growth areas; and
- Establish or preserve plant and animal migration corridors.
When infill and growth areas within defined boundaries cannot accommodate growth rates, consider planning for separate and distinct but transit-supported settlement areas.